Netherlands gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit, has confirmed that it will significantly increase its monitoring of remote betting operators’ marketing and advertising practices during World Cup 2018.

Furthermore, the regulatory body seeks to eradicate bookmaker advertising which may be visible to Dutch youngsters.

Ahead of the start of Russia 2018, Kansspelautoriteit has launched a public helpline, where Dutch citizens can report websites which promote unlicensed betting services.

Under current Dutch gambling laws, only state-owned TOTO a subsidiary of the Netherlands Lottery can offer and promote sports betting markets.

Kansspelautoriteit has stated that it will no fine national consumers for using unlicensed betting services, but will increase fines on unlicensed betting advertisers.

At present, Dutch gambling stakeholders wait for the review and judgement of the new Gambling Bill by parliament, which may open the Netherlands as a regulated online betting market.

However, progress on the Gambling Bill’s review has stalled to date. Last May, a coalition of European betting enterprises and the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) questioned Kansspelautoriteit on its licensing policy which allowed only one sports betting operator to service the Netherlands.